Imagine: a serene escape from the bustling city, where you can unwind and recharge your mind and body. These stunning spa retreats, just a short drive from London, promise just that – a luxurious sanctuary dedicated to your well-being.
Soho Farmhouse, nestled in the countryside, offers a haven of relaxation with its newly revamped Lazy Lake. Indulge in a personalized soak in one of the four Japanese-inspired Onsen-style sunken hot tubs, adding soothing mineral salts or detoxifying seaweed. For a touch of luxury, treat yourself to an organic clay face mask while you soak. Beyond the lake, you’ll find infra-red sauna pods, ice Cryo huts, and an outdoor massage pavilion. And for those looking for an extra touch of pampering, Sunday Riley’s residency (7 June – 8 September 2024) offers relaxing, yet effective facials that blend Korean massage techniques with glow-boosting ingredients like vitamin C.
Soho Farmhouse is the perfect destination for a relaxing escape and skin rejuvenation.
Seaside Serenity: No.42, Margate
For a seaside escape, No.42, Margate is a haven just a short train or car ride from London. This charming hotel, a stone’s throw from the beach, offers a unique blend of coastal charm and luxurious spa treatments. The aesthetically pleasing bedrooms are a haven of peace, featuring natural woods, creamy fabrics, and traditional rolltop baths.
But the real gem here is the spa, offering unparalleled treatments. The Copper Cove treatment, a two-person 90-minute experience, is a must-try. It begins with a blissful magnesium salt-infused bath in a huge copper tub and culminates in an incredible massage, including the scalp. Leave your worries behind and emerge feeling like a new person.
A Country Estate Escape: The Spa at Danesfield House
Just an hour from London, Danesfield House, a stately home set amidst 400 acres of breathtaking British countryside, is a captivating destination.
This former countryside retreat of Winston Churchill offers a luxurious spa that transports you to another world. From the moment you step through the renowned stained glass staircase, you’ll be enchanted by the ambiance.
Beyond the classic spa treatments like facials and massages, Danesfield House offers a diverse range of specialized therapies, including IV infusions, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and naturopathy, which change seasonally.
The Seasonal Autumnal Nourishment experience is a perfect example, combining hot and cold therapies to refresh your mind and detoxify your body.
But the true gem is the Meadow Hut: a secluded cabin nestled in one of the property’s wild meadows. The bespoke treatment offered in this charming cabin, designed to cocoon and re-energize, is a truly memorable experience.
Danesfield House is a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation, offering a perfect blend of history, luxury, and wellness.
Family-Friendly Fun: Foxhills, Surrey
Located just an hour’s drive from central London, Foxhills is a haven for families seeking a health and wellness retreat. With five swimming pools, two championship 18-hole golf courses, and a dedicated nine-hole course, there’s something for everyone.
Foxhills also boasts a family pavilion that’s sure to keep the little ones entertained, with activities and amenities galore, while parents can enjoy the luxurious spa.
The spa itself offers a wide range of services, including indulgent Elemis facials and massages, as well as targeted treatments like sports therapy. Relax in the steam rooms, Finnish saunas, yoga cabin, or cycle studio. And for a truly unique experience, take a dip in the spa garden’s natural swimming pool, purified by plants and minerals, for a refreshing experience that mimics open water bathing.
Historical Charm Meets Modern Luxury: The Signet Spa, The Retreat at Elcot Park
Step back in time at The Signet Spa, a newly renovated retreat steeped in history. Once the country home of Lady Shelley, mother of poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, this elegant hotel and spa is a haven of tranquility.
The water-based amenities at The Signet Spa are a highlight. The sizeable outdoor pool is heated for year-round enjoyment, and inside, you’ll find a hydrothermal suite featuring a “wellness pool” with bubbly loungers and water cannons.
For treatments, The Signet Spa utilizes ila Spa, a UK-based organic aromatherapy brand. Facials and massages are available to both guests and non-guests.
Signet Spa Club membership, however, grants unlimited access to the pools, complimentary PT sessions, tennis courts, and the spin studio.
Rural Retreat and Bespoke Wellness: Ragdale Hall
Nestled in the Leicestershire countryside, Ragdale Hall offers a picturesque escape from the city.
This unique retreat prioritizes health, beauty, and well-being, providing a relaxed and bespoke experience for every guest, whether it’s an overnight stay or a day spa visit.
Ragdale Hall’s spa is expansive, with a variety of pools offering unique experiences. The rooftop infinity pool features massage jets and stunning countryside views, while the candle pool is a haven of warmth, light, and water, designed for complete relaxation.
The thermal spa is a world unto itself, with spaces like the ‘Colourflow Cave’, volcanic salt bath, and rose sauna, each offering a unique path to mind and body harmony.
For a truly unique experience, consider the Balinese massage, a 90-minute treatment exclusive to Ragdale Hall. Originating from Indonesia, this massage utilizes long, strong movements, perfect for improving circulation, releasing toxins, and boosting energy levels.
A Haven for Wellness Enthusiasts: The Sequoia Spa
Less than an hour from central London, The Sequoia Spa is a luxurious retreat offering a wide array of amenities to satisfy spa enthusiasts of all levels.
The inviting black mosaic tiled pool is a standout feature, along with the Natura Bissé and ESPA treatments.
The Sequoia Spa also hosts a rotating programme of wellness programmes and residencies, making it a dynamic and engaging destination.
Furthermore, The Sequoia Spa is one of only a few ESPA and Wellness for Cancer spas, offering Be Nurtured treatments designed specifically for individuals living with or recovering from cancer.
For a holistic approach to wellness, visit Bamford, which offers treatments like the Wellness facial, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and relaxed.
The gym boasts the latest equipment from Technogym and Peloton, and the fitness studio offers a variety of classes.
Historic Elegance and Modern Spa Amenities: Sopwell House
Sopwell House is a beautiful Georgian stately home just an hour from London.
This luxurious retreat features the Cottonmill Spa, recently revamped and brimming with amenities.
The members-only addition, The Club, offers an indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool, a spa garden with cabanas and hot tubs, saunas, a salt steam room, and more.
In the main Cottonmill Spa, indulge in Elemis and Aromatherapy Associates treatments, two vitality pools, an indoor pool, sauna, and steam rooms.
For families seeking a luxurious home away from home, the private Mews Suites offer landscaped gardens and access to the hydrotherapy pool.
And for dining, Omboo offers sushi and Asian-inspired sharing dishes, or simply relax in your robe and enjoy The Pantry.
Sopwell House is the perfect destination for a luxurious weekend escape.
Country Manor House Charm: The Spa at Hartwell House
Hartwell House is a beautiful Georgian stately home in Buckinghamshire, just over an hour from London.
The Spa at Hartwell House offers a captivating blend of historic charm and modern luxury.
This National Trust-owned manor house was once the home of Louis XVIII, exiled King of France, and his wife Marie Josephine.
Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the maximalist sitting rooms, vast grounds, and un-completable afternoon teas.
But Hartwell House is also a haven for wellness.
The spa boasts a cutting-edge treatment menu, featuring celebrity-beloved 111. Indulge in cryotherapy, quartz stone massage, or the redness-eliminating Signature Harley Street Facial.
Complementing the modern treatments are the classic spa amenities, including a steam room, sauna, and stylish swimming pool.
Hartwell House offers a truly unique experience, combining the opulence of a historic manor with the latest wellness innovations.
